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SimFer celebrates the naming of its first transhipment vessel

July 21, 2026

Wontanara will travel to Guinea carrying SimFer’s first cohort of seafarer trainees marking a new chapter in Simandou’s maritime operations

Yangzhou, China – SimFer, the Joint Venture between the Government of Guinea, Rio Tinto and the Chinalco-led CIOH Consortium today celebrated the naming of its first transhipment vessel (TSV), Wontanara. This marks a major milestone for SimFer’s port operations and a significant step forwards for the Simandou project.

The vessel was formally named during a ceremony held in China attended by representatives of Rio Tinto SimFer, Chinalco, SPSM/COSCO, Canada Steamship Lines (CSL), Chengxi Shipbuilding and project partners. In keeping with maritime tradition, the vessel’s “godmother” Néné Hawa Baldé, an employee at the SimFer port in Morebaya, officially bestowed the name Wontanara on the vessel.

Meaning “we are together” in Susu, Wontanara reflects the spirit of partnership, collaboration and shared ambition that has underpinned the Simandou Project from its inception. The vessel itself symbolises the connection between international expertise and Guinea’s long-term development.

Following its naming, Wontanara will set sail for Guinea, where it will become the first of five specialised TSV vessels supporting SimFer’s marine logistics operations at the Port of Morebaya.

Each specially designed TSV will transport more than 40,000 tonnes of iron ore from the port to ocean-going vessels offshore, supporting the project as it ramps up to full production capacity. The TSVs are equipped with specialist machinery to allow them to self-unload, at rates believed to be the fastest in the world – more than 12,000 tonnes per hour.

SimFer Managing Director Chris Aitchison said: “This vessel represents years of engineering, collaboration and commitment from teams across Guinea and China. The choice of the name Wontanara – meaning ‘we are together’ – perfectly captures the spirit of this project and the cooperation that has made this milestone possible. I would like to thank our SimFer teams and all the partners who have made this possible, including CSL and Chengxi Shipbuilding, for their commitment and focus. It is an incredibly proud moment to see Guinean talent represented here today – including our future Guinean seafarers and the vessel’s Godmother, Nene Hawa Baldé. Néné Hawa is a valued member of our Port team who has shown immense care in everything she does, promoting and supporting others and truly representing the key qualities we need in a Godmother. She embodies the values of responsibility, care and solidarity that Wontanara represents.”

Néné Hawa Baldé, godmother of the TSV Wontanara, said: “Being named Godmother of the Wontanara is both a great honour and a great responsibility. This vessel represents the work, commitment and aspirations of many people. It reflects what can be achieved when people come together around a shared goal. I am proud to be part of this project and proud to represent all the women and men whose efforts contribute every day to building the future of Simandou and Guinea.”

Wontanara’s first crew will include some of the first cohort of SimFer’s Guinean seafarer trainees, trained in China by the Quanzhou Ocean Institute, through a programme supported by SimFer’s maritime partner Cosco Shipping. As they embark on their first onboard assignments, these young Guineans represent the future of the country’s maritime sector and a new generation of professionals who will help support the long-term success of the Simandou Project.

SimFer expresses its sincere appreciation to all teams, partners and communities whose dedication continues to make this historic project possible.

About the vessel Wontanara

First of five SimFer Transhipment Vessels
Length: 215 metres
Capacity: more than 40,000 tonnes
Designed specifically for shallow-water operations
Self-unloading system capable of handling up to 12,000 tonnes of iron ore per hour
Five thrusters enabling operation without tug assistance.